Hexagram 15
Humility
謙 · qiān
- Upper trigram
- 坤 · earth
- Lower trigram
- 艮 · mountain
Judgement
謙：亨，君子有終。
Khien indicates progress and success. The superior man, (being humble as it implies), will have a (good) issue (to his undertakings).
James Legge, 1882
Lines · bottom to top
- Line 1 初六
初六：謙謙君子，用涉大川，吉。
The first line, divided, shows us the superior man who adds humility to humility. (Even) the great stream may be crossed with this, and there will be good fortune.
- Line 2 六二
六二：鳴謙，貞吉。
The second line, divided, shows us humility that has made itself recognised. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.
- Line 3 九三
九三：勞謙君子，有終，吉。
The third line, undivided, shows the superior man of (acknowledged) merit. He will maintain his success to the end, and have good fortune.
- Line 4 六四
六四：无不利，撝謙。
The fourth line, divided, shows one, whose action would be in every way advantageous, stirring up (the more) his humility.
- Line 5 六五
六五：不富以其鄰，利用侵伐，无不利。
The fifth line, divided, shows one who, without being rich, is able to employ his neighbours. He may advantageously use the force of arms. All his movements will be advantageous.
- Line 6 上六
上六：鳴謙，利用行師，征邑國。
The sixth line, divided, shows us humility that has made itself recognised. The subject of it will with advantage put his hosts in motion; but (he will only) punish his own towns and state.